A WIDNES student has received a major award for being a friendly face for new students at the University of Wales, Bangor.

Stephanie Donaghue of Greenwich Avenue, Widnes, was one of two people to receive the university's Peer Guide of the Year Award for her work in introducing new students to campus life.

The history and film studies student was praised for her 'caring nature' and 'determination' in helping students settle in and was handed the award by the university's vice chancellor Professor Merfyn Jones.

She said: 'I didn't expect to be nominated, let alone win! I think it's good that the history department gets recognised.'

'I was quite homesick and it helped having other students to take my mind off things. I decided that I wanted to help other students settle in, so they would like it here as much as I do.

'When you start at university everything is so daunting it helps having someone to point you in the right direction.

'I only came to university after talking to a peer guide at an interview day. By having that much impact it is clearly very important to help new and prospective students.'